Henrietta was almost enraged.

“Dr. Grimshaw,” she said, “nothing but self-respect prevents me from ordering you from this sleigh!”

“I advise you to let self-respect, or any other motive you please, still restrain you, madam.  I remain here as the warden of this pretty creature’s person, until she is safely secured.”

“You will at least be kind enough to explain to us the causes of your present words and actions, sir!” said Mrs. Waugh, severely.

“Undoubtedly, madam!  Having, as I judged, just reasons for doubting the integrity of your niece, and more than suspecting her attachment to Mr. Willcoxen, I was determined to test both.  Therefore, instead of going to Leonardtown, to be absent till to-morrow, I came here, posted myself at a favorable point for observation, and took notes.  While here, I saw enough to convince me of Jacquelina’s indiscretions.  Afterward leaving the spot with lacerated feelings I drew near her.  She mistook me for her lover, thrust her arm through mine, and said, ’Dear Thurston, come home with me—­’”

“Oh! you shocking old fye-for-shame!  I said no such thing!  I said, Thurston!  Come!  Jump in the sleigh and go home with us.’”

“It makes little difference, madam!  The meaning was the same.  I will not be responsible for a literal report.  You are discovered.”

“What does that mean?  If it means you have discovered that I mistook you for Thurston Willcoxen, you ought to ‘walk on thrones’ the rest of your life!  You never got such a compliment before, and never will again!”

“Aye! go on, madam!  You and your conniving aunt—­”

“Dr. Grimshaw, if you dare to say or hint such impertinence to me again, you shall leave your seat much more quickly than you took it,” said Mrs. Waugh.

“We shall see, madam!” said the professor, and he lapsed into sullenness for the remainder of the drive.

But, oh! there was one in that sleigh upon whose heart the words of wild Jacko had fallen with cruel weight-Marian!

CHAPTER XXII.

PETTICOAT DISCIPLINE.

When the sulky sleighing party reached Luckenough they found Commodore Waugh not only up and waiting, but in the highest state of self-satisfaction, a blessing of which they received their full share of benefit, for the old man, in the overflowing of his joy, had ordered an oyster supper, which was now all ready to be served smoking hot to the chilled and hungry sleigh-riders.

“I wonder what’s out now?” said Jacquelina, as she threw off her wrappings, scattering them heedlessly on the chairs and floor of the hall.  “Some awful calamity has overtaken some of Uncle Nick’s enemies.  Nothing on earth but that ever puts him into such a jolly humor.  Now we’ll see!  I wonder if it is a ’crowner’s ‘quest’ case?  Wish it was Grim.”

Mrs. Henrietta blessed her stars for the good weather, without inquiring very closely where it came from, as she conducted Marian to a bedroom to lay off her bonnet and mantle.